British students stand with Gaza against Israel’s assault

On 29 July 2014, the student movement issued a powerful united statement in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Amongst the signatories are National Union of Students Officers representing millions of students across Britain and over 100 pro-Palestine student leaders and activists from colleges and universities. The statement follows a wide array of solidarity activities that have taken place in recent weeks in protest of Israel’s brutal offensive in Gaza.

All students are encouraged to add their names, you can do so by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, college/university and any position you may hold.

Please share the statement far and wide as we want our message heard – British students are with the people of Palestine.

In unity, Aaron Kiely, NUS National Executive Council

Full statement below.

British students stand with Gaza against Israel’s assault

We as students completely condemn Israel’s horrific military assault currently taking place on Gaza that has led to the killing of over 1,000 Palestinians. The vast majority of those killed have been civilians and over 160 Palestinian children have lost their lives so far.

We have been horrified by the collective punishment inflicted on the people of Gaza by Israel. Huge numbers have been injured and 140,000 Palestinians have been displaced. Homes and hospitals have been bombed as well as educational institutions including the United Nations Refugee Agency School – a school designated by the UN as a shelter for people displaced by Israel’s assault.

The UN Human Rights Commissioner has said Israel should be investigated for war crimes. We send our sympathy, solidarity and support to all those affected by the assault, including the families of the victims.

We condemn Israel’s on-going siege on Gaza which has denied Palestinians their basic human rights for 7 years. The siege cuts Palestinians trapped in Gaza off from the outside world and severely limits basic supplies from entering such as food, safe water and medicine – making life intolerable for the 1.7 million people living there.

The Palestinians’ right to education has been particularly hard hit by the siege. Basic educational equipment including books, paper, computers, stationary and desks are all in limited supply and Israel routinely cuts off Gaza’s electricity supply.

We join the Trades Union Congress in calling for an end to the Israeli assault on Gaza, the lifting of the siege, an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and for the UK government to stop arming and supporting Israel.

We call upon students to support the Palestinian call for a boycott of illegal settlements, settlement goods and corporations benefiting from the illegal occupation of the West Bank.

We call on all students to join us in taking part in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s peaceful protests across Britain, demanding an immediate end to Israel’s assault and siege on Gaza.